Near East Frequently Asked Questions

What is Couscous?

Couscous is tiny grains of a round, pre-cooked pasta made in the U.S. from high quality durum (yields a glutinous flour) wheat. It has a nutty, wheat-like flavor and retains a firm bite after cooking. Couscous can be used just like rice or pasta in favorite recipes. Couscous can be used as a side dish, as directed on the package, as an ingredient or as a main dish when chicken, beef, beans or vegetables are added. Cooked and served like rice, couscous has been around for centuries. It's a staple in many cuisines from around the world, where grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes create the foundation of a healthful diet.

Near East^® Couscous is available in 11 unique flavors:

What is Rice Pilaf?

Pilafs are rice or grain-based dishes that are simmered in a seasoned broth. The variations of pilaf are as endless as your creativity! Traditional pilafs are combined with toasted pasta. Pilafs can also have ingredients added such as other grains, nuts, legumes, fruits, vegetables, meat or seafood. Pilafs are staples in many cuisines around the world, where grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes create the foundation of a healthful diet.

Near East^® Rice Pilafs and Blends are available in 13 unique flavors:

What is Quinoa?

While quinoa is sometimes referred to as a cereal grain, it is actually a seed, but can be prepared like other grains such as rice or barley. Near East offers two varieties of Quinoa Blends:

What are Whole Grain Blends? Should it be used as a main dish or a side dish? How many servings of whole grains are there in one serving of Whole Grain Blends?

Whole Grain Blends combine a variety of appealing ingredients and seasonings with unique grains to create delicious and hearty side dishes. Please see our Recipe Section for many delicious ways to incorporate Whole Grain Blends into your meal repertoire. Versatile and uniquely textured side dishes, each variety combines different grains, like brown rice, barley, pearled wheat and bulgur wheat, with other premium ingredients like roasted pecans, select herbs and roasted garlic. One serving (1 cup prepared) of any Whole Grain Blends product contains an ounce equivalent (one serving) of whole grains.

Whole Grain Blends are available in 3 delectable flavors:

What is Tabouleh? How should I use it?

Tabouleh is a blend of bulgur wheat, mint, parsley and garlic. With chopped fresh tomato, lemon juice and olive oil, you can create a cool and refreshing salad that's a great idea for picnics or side dishes.

Is Near East^® organic?

Near East^® products are not produced organically.

Does Near East^® contain GMOs?

Currently none of our oats, wheat, and rice is derived from GMO technology. However, given we must purchase and mill many bulk grains, such as corn, soy, canola, and flax, there always is a possibility that those grains may contain GMO material. Non-GMO Near East^® grains may come in contact with grain dust from GMO ingredients via common harvesting, handling, and transportation materials and equipment. It is important to note that there is no system in place in the United States that separates these foods. Thus, while we can say with certainty that Near East^® oats, wheat, and rice are not developed through biotechnology, it is feasible that trace amounts of GMO ingredients may be present in some grain-based products. This is likely true of other grain products. Please note that GMO grains available in the U.S. are reviewed and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Do Near East^® products contain MSG?

No, none of our products contain MSG.

Do any Near East^® products contain allergens?

Any of our food products that contain the most commonly allergenic foods (peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, egg, wheat, milk and soy) will include these allergens in the ingredient statement. We also highlight any of these allergens in bold letters following the ingredient list with a 'contains' statement to assist all consumers in identifying products containing known allergens. Furthermore, if we feel that the product poses a potential risk from incidental exposure to these top 8 allergens, we will put a 'may contain' statement on the label. We recommend consumers look for this statement each time they purchase a product as formulas may change.

Do Near East^® rice products contain arsenic?

The safety of our products is a top priority. Arsenic is present in nature; as a result, it can be found in low levels in a variety of agricultural products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regularly evaluates safety data for components like arsenic. There currently haven’t been any findings to cause the FDA to raise health concerns regarding arsenic in the food supply.

Are Near East^® products gluten free?

While Near East^® is proud to offer a variety of grain dishes to suit many needs and tastes, we cannot guarantee that any of our products are gluten free. Because our products are processed in facilities alongside other ingredients that contain gluten, there is always a slight risk of cross contact.

I'm a vegetarian or I keep Kosher. How can I tell which products contain meat or dairy?

Products are Kosher-certified Pareve when bearing the circled U symbol on package. That means they are not made with meat or dairy ingredients according to the Kosher certificates for each ingredient. Products containing dairy bear the circled U Dairy symbol. Products containing meat bear the circled U Meat symbol.

If I only want to spend 15 minutes or less preparing a side dish, which Near East^® products can I make?

Near East^® couscous takes only 5 minutes to prepare and makes a unique and delicious side dish or main dish.

Can I prepare 2 boxes of a Near East^® product at once (double the recipe)?

Two packages can be prepared at once on the range top. Use double the amount of butter or oil, water, tomatoes or any other added ingredients listed in the directions for one box. Prepare according to the Range Top package directions. We do not recommend making more than one box in the microwave. The amount of water and product involved takes too long to come to a boil in the microwave, thus the results are not as good.

We do not have specific recommendations for making 3 or more boxes. The amount of water may not be optimal if more than two boxes are prepared at a time. If the standard directions have just slightly too much water, 3 times the amount may be way too much.

Can I combine two different types of Near East^® together when doubling?

If the box directions of the two different products are compatible (i.e. same amount of added oil, water, and cooking time) then it is possible to combine them by using the doubling guidelines listed above. You can also prepare them as directed on the package and then combine them.

Can I use a rice cooker or steamer for couscous or rice pilaf?

Our products are optimized for range top and microwave preparation methods so we cannot guarantee the results with various rice cookers and other appliances. If you choose to prepare our products in a rice cooker or steamer, check the manufacturer's directions for preparation of couscous, instant or parboiled (or converted) long grain rice.

What is the best way to store and reheat prepared couscous or rice pilaf?

Leftover couscous or pilaf should be refrigerated in a tightly sealed storage container or zip lock plastic bag. To reheat, add 1 to 3 tablespoons water for each cup of leftover couscous or pilaf (couscous may need more water depending on the wattage of your microwave as it tends to dry out faster than pilaf). Stir gently while cold. Reheat in the microwave oven. Couscous and pilaf can also be reheated over medium low heat in a saucepan on the stove, stirring occasionally.

How long can I keep prepared couscous or rice pilaf in the refrigerator?

For best results, store Near East^® products in your refrigerator for no more than two days. After this time, we cannot guarantee freshness.

Can I freeze already prepared couscous or rice for later use?

Freezing is not recommended, as freezing changes the texture of the rice or couscous unfavorably.

I followed the preparation instructions but the product didn't turn out quite right? What went wrong?

Here are a few suggestions for fixes to couscous/pilaf preparations that have gone wrong:

To avoid quality issues, be sure to always follow the recommended cooking instructions on the back panel of each box. Cooking instructions may vary per product. If the product does not come out right, you may try the following:

If product is too soft - Decrease cooking time by three minutes. If product is the desired texture, but too saucy, decrease water by 1/4 cup.
If product is too firm - Increase cooking time from 3 to 5 minutes.
If product is too sticky, sticks to the pan, etc.- Decrease the temperature of the burner. Product sticks when it is cooked too quickly. Be sure when you are simmering, the burner dial is turned to the low position.
If product is too dry - Try lowering the burner temperature slightly, and increasing the water by 1/4 cup.
If product is too moist - increase the cooking time by 3 to 5 minutes.

Can I substitute margarine or another type of cooking oil in place of butter or olive oil in preparing Near East^® products? What about PAM or a cooking spray?

Yes, it is fine to substitute other types of cooking oil or margarine for butter or olive oil. PAM or cooking spray may be used as a substitute if desired, but the quality and texture of the rice will be affected.

Can I use less butter or olive oil than the package directs?

Alternate directions are located on the box. For best results follow these directions when reducing or eliminating butter or olive oil.

The package gives a range of cooking times. Which one should I use?

Ranges of cooking times are given in regards to microwave cooking directions. This is because microwave ovens vary in the amount of power they supply (wattage). When using microwave directions for the first time, use the lower time in the time range and add additional time in one-minute increments as needed.

What if I live at a high altitude?

At elevations above 3,500 feet, water boils at a lower temperature and evaporates more quickly than it does at sea level. High altitude directions are listed on the back of the box.

How long does it take to prepare couscous?

Near East^® Couscous can be prepared in just 5 minutes! Just boil water, add couscous, remove from heat and let water absorb, then stir and serve!

How long does it take to prepare rice pilaf?

While preparation times vary across products, most Near East^® Rice Pilafs and Blends products take about 25-30 minutes to prepare. Just follow the directions on the package and you will have a delicious side dish in less than half an hour!

What are some quick and easy preparation ideas to make couscous a little different? Which products can I make in 15 minutes or less?

Near East^® couscous takes only 5 minutes to cook and makes a unique and delicious side dish or main dish.

Try these easy and delicious stir in ideas:

Chopped broccoli, carrot, bell pepper
Diced tomato
Nuts (walnuts, almonds, pine nuts)
Dried fruit (Raisins, cranberries)

Also, see the Recipes section of this site for delicious recipes that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes!

Where can I find Near East^® Recipes?

You can find delicious and easy to prepare recipes with worldly flavors in our Recipes section.

What other foods should I serve with couscous?

Couscous can be served as a side dish or a main meal, and goes well with beef, chicken, fish, lamb or as part of a vegetarian meal (with beans, tofu, etc.) You can also stir in additional ingredients (vegetables, nuts, dried fruit) to add something special to your couscous and make it a more substantial dish.

How else can I serve couscous aside from as a side dish?

Couscous is a great base for cold summer salads, for picnics or entertaining. It can be served as a main dish with meat, poultry, fish or beans. It can also be used in stews, soups, and even hot cereals. Please see our Recipes section of this site for great tasting, simple recipes using Near East^® couscous.

What are some quick and easy preparation ideas to make couscous a little something different or special, if I do not have time to prepare a recipe?

Try these easy and delicious stir in ideas:

Chopped broccoli, carrot, bell pepper
Diced tomato
Nuts (walnuts, almonds, pine nuts)
Dried fruit (Raisins, cranberries)

I'm having a dinner party and want to make Near East^® for a larger number of people. How can I buy a larger size package?

Certain warehouse clubs stores sell multi-packs of Near East^®. You can also prepare two boxes at once.

What Near East^® products are good to serve for entertaining or at the holidays?

Near East^® is a great dish for holidays or entertaining, with its ease of preparation, yet premium taste and aesthetic appeal. See our Recipes section for delicious and simple holiday entertaining ideas.

What Near East^® products are good for making summer salads or cold dishes?

Combined with vegetables or other fresh ingredients, couscous, rice pilaf and tabouleh make delicious and refreshing summer salads. See our Recipe section for delicious and simple salad ideas.

What are some good things to add to Near East^® couscous and pilaf to create a vegetarian main dish?

Tofu, beans, garbanzo beans and other meat substitutes can be easily combined with Near East^® products as a base for a delicious vegetarian main meal.

What specific spices might be included in the "spices" ingredient listed on your packaging?

Government regulations say that any or all of these spices can be labeled as "spice" on an ingredient listing:
Allspice, Anise, Basil, Bay leaves, Caraway seed, Cardamon, Celery seed, Chervil, Cinnamon, Cloves, Coriander, Cumin seed, Dill seed, Fennel seed, Fenugreek, Ginger, Horseradish, Mace, Marjoram, Mustard flour, Nutmeg, Oregano, Paprika, Parsley, Pepper, black; Pepper, white; Pepper, red; Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Savory, Star aniseed, Tarragon, Thyme, Turmeric.

Note: MSG (monosodium glutamate), meat and other ingredients are not included under "spices." Individual spices are not considered a top food allergen by the food industry so they are not shown specifically. If you're trying to avoid a particular spice for allergy reasons, we cannot recommend any product that identifies all of its included spices in the ingredient list.

How do I read the "best before" code on the bottom of the package?

A code date is stamped into the bottom of each package. It is recommended that the product be prepared before that date for the best flavor and quality. For example, if the package is marked JAN 01 15 B13, the product should be prepared and enjoyed before January 01, 2015. The package code date is based upon the shelf life of the product when the product is stored in a cool, dry location. As with all food products, the flavor and quality of our products can change or weaken over time. Most seasoned products have a 12-month shelf life. Improper storage, such as exposure to high temperatures or high humidity, may reduce the quality of the product before the "Best Before" date.

What’s the best way to store Near East^® products?

The package code date is based upon the shelf life of the product when the product is stored in a cool, dry location. As with all food products, the flavor and quality of our products can change or weaken over time. Most seasoned products have a 12-month shelf life. Improper storage, such as exposure to high temperatures or high humidity, may reduce the quality of the product before the "Best Before" date.

I'm having a difficult time finding a Near East^® product. Why is this and what should I do?

It's not possible for us to recommend specific stores in your area that carry a specific variety since we do not have direct store delivery. We ship our product to specialty distributors, who store it in their warehouses and sell to chain and independent grocery stores as needed. We are continually working to expand the distribution of Near East^® products. Unfortunately, shelf space in stores is limited. Store managers determine which items to stock based on consumer demand. You may want to ask your local store manager if he or she is able to stock the product for which you are looking.

What types of stores sell Near East^®?

Most grocery stores and natural food stores carry a variety of Near East^® products.

What is the history behind the Near East^® brand?

Near East^® started in 1963 in Worcester, MA as a small, family-owned company. George and Hannah Kalajian emigrated from Armenia to the United States and set up a grocery store in 1940. Soon after the store opened, Hannah began serving sandwiches and home-cooked hot meals at a twelve-stool luncheonette counter adjoining the grocery store. On Wednesdays, Hannah served her specialty: roasted chicken and Armenian-style rice pilaf. A tasty combination of rice, orzo pasta, and seasoning, the pilaf quickly became so popular that Hannah began to package it - filling bags of pilaf mix by hand in her home kitchen. As demand rapidly increased, more help was added and a growing number of food distributors helped to sell the product. Over the years, production moved out of Hannah's kitchen and into modern manufacturing facilities.

Today, the Near East^® family of products includes more than 25 different flavors and varieties of pilafs, couscous, quinoa blends and other grain dishes, all with the same high-quality ingredients, care and handling that Hannah put into the first pilaf. Our easy to prepare products are designed to help you bring the flavors of the world to your kitchen.

Near East^® uses only the best ingredients. Most Near East^® products are certified Kosher. Our refreshing white box is a symbol of our dedication to simple, high-quality food made with recognizable ingredients and authentic herbs and spices. Our delicious products are available nationally in supermarkets and specialty food stores.

We hope that you enjoy our products. Please e-mail us with your comments or questions. We'd like to hear from you.